The YMCA Vocational School commenced Middle School activities in 2010. The “Y” school offers courses assisting disengaged students to achieve their full potential through positive educational studies, activities, and outcomes. At the “Y” young people will experience student centred programs dedicated to enhancing practical and personal skills, at a pace that ensures school attendance, engagement, and confidence. Importantly, all learning at the “Y” is guided by the YMCA philosophy of valuing a person’s mind, body, and spirit.

The “Y” experience gives students the chance to shape, direct, and own their future. In today’s complicated and competitive world, the capacity to appropriately control one’s destiny is so important. At the “Y” our team recognises this and helps students to negotiate and determine their own pathways – at their pace.

“Y” courses include the Key Learning Areas vital for success, at both Middle and Senior School levels. We also offer a range of social, emotional, and vocational courses and opportunities for all students. These courses include VET Certificates in Automotive, Children’s Services, and Workplace studies. The “Y” team’s goal is students’ success and confidence as valued young people in our community.  We therefore want students to be Prepared, Aware, Community-minded, and Engaged.

Gary Smith, Head of School 

The YMCA Vocational School is a registered Non State School. The YMCA of Brisbane was Formed in 1864 and works, from a base of Christian values, to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit. The services we provide at YMCA help young people who find it difficult to gain an education through mainstream schooling.

The YMCA School Clem Jones Campus is located in Mary Street, Kingston, Queensland and is the first YMCA school in Australia. The school caters for 12 to 18 years covering years eight to twelve and provides a broad, flexible and imaginative Curriculum providing core Curriculum studies and vocational subjects. Learning is hands on delivered at a pace students are able to cope, with the intention that all students will succeed.

The main focus of the YMCA School is education with personal development in line with the YMCA’s core key values of; Honesty – Respect – Caring – Responsibility. The YMCA of Brisbane is guided to achieve this mission by the following Christian values

• The dignity and intrinsic worth of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or belief
• The whole person, consisting of a body, a mind, and a spirit each of which is of equal importance
• Healthy communities based on relationships between people which are characterised by love, understanding, mutual respect and a sense of belonging
• Equality of opportunity and justice for all people
• The diversity of people, communities and nations
• Acceptance of personal responsibility

At the YMCA School student need is the centre of attention. Teachers and Training staff are chosen carefully to insure the greatest learning and curriculum flexibility is achieved through innovation, personal development, music, the Arts, modern science and vocation intergrated. Other strategies include;

• Small school size, enables a family like atmosphere where we become a stable link in the students life, in many cases the only stable link.
• Small class sizes, maximum of ten students, with an average of seven per class for more personalised attention, with one on one assistance where necessary.
• An individual learning program for each student, self paced to allow students to progress at their own rate, depending on ability.
• A caseworker, mentor or teacher aide works with teachers to support the high special needs of each student.
• Teachers record case notes on students after every period to monitor issues and progress.
• Teachers debrief every morning and attend a staff briefing each week, to discuss individual student needs and staff support.
• Reports go to parent/carers within one day of any incident including positive outcomes.This keeps the parent well informed on progress.
• A positive rewards program is used to encourage the students, to lift self-esteem.